Snakes are other exotic reptiles that are present in Costa Rica. They represent half of all of the reptile species in the country. But of 135 species of snakes, only 17 are poisonous. Among the poisonous snakes are: a type of rattlesnake, coral snakes (red, black and yellow or white stripes), and the "terciopelo" or fer-de-lance snake. Snakes evolved approximately 120 million years ago from their closest descendant, the Monitor lizard over time . They lure their prey in then kill them with venom. The snakes in Costa Rica used to be treated as god. The anaconda has been recorded as the most massive of snakes, weighing 235 lbs. at a length of 29 feet. The anaconda's range is restricted to South America, but its close cousin, the boa constrictor is found in Costa Rica. Boas are common in the lowlands of both coasts and feed on birds, lizards, rodents, and sometimes even young deer, ocelots, and porcupines.
Snakes mostly live in grassy areas where they cannot be seen easily. Also a lot of snakes live in trees and other various places. In Costa Rica they live in jungle hot spots.
You need to take caution and have respect. Most of the snakes are not poisonous.
It's not a good idea to handle snakes in the wild. You shouldn't reach in holes or under rocks, debris, or forest-floor leaf litter without first checking with a stick to see what might be there. And remember that many snakes are well-camouflaged creatures which sleep on branches, so never reach for a branch without looking. You should even be cautious when peering inside plants such as bromeliads: the dark-colored chunk-headed snake likes to doze inside the moisture-collecting plants during the dry season. Unless you really know your snakes, it's best to leave ALL of them completely alone and walk the other way.
Antivenom (or antivenin or antivenene) is a biological product used in the treatment of venomous bites or stings.
the bigger the snake the more poisonous it will put in you.
Links:
Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. The free encyclopedia that anyone can edit. Costa Rica Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_Rica. March 2009.
Costa Rica Photos. http://www.costaricaphotos.com/. Published 2007 by Edenia Systems International. March 2009.
Philip Greenspun, MIT. Amphibians and Reptiles. http://philip.greenspun.com/cr/moon/amphibians-and-reptiles. March 2009.